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Local woman collects donations for Hurricane Ian survivors

More than $1,000 in cleaning supplies, personal care products and food were collected from Oct. 6-11 by Mary Savage and friends for Hurricane Ian survivors, according to an email from Savage.

“My northeast Ocala home was a dropoff point for donations,” Savage wrote in the email. “I sent emails to friends and word-of-mouth got around, resulting in more than $1,000 in cleaning supplies, personal care products and food. (We) donated all the items to VFW Post 4209 that also was collecting items for the Hurricane Ian survivors,” Savage continued in another email.

Donors included members of Indivisible Stone Creek, who gave enough food and supplies to fill the back of an SUV, the email said. Others who helped included Pat Hawk, Delphine Herbert and Pat Valerga and her neighbor.

The supplies were taken to Ocala VFW Post 4209, which relayed them to Candler Post 4493. Post 4493 delivered everything to the Fort Myers area, where VFW posts in District 13 served as distribution relief sites for the public.

Family history conference makes history

The first Ocala Florida Stake Family History Conference was held on Oct. 22 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ocala, according to a church press release. The conference theme was "Forget Me Not," and it was attended by 51 people of various faiths and backgrounds.

Genealogy presentations at The Villages

The Villages genealogy group, New England Special Interest Group, invited Temple and Family History consultants from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to present family history and genealogy information on Oct. 20, according to a church press release.

GFWC donates clothing to charities

GFWC Greater Ocala Woman's Club recently distributed thousands of dollars worth of new clothing from CC's Wish List to nonprofit organizations throughout Ocala and beyond, a press release from GFWC said.

Some items were driven to Boggy Creek Camp, the GFWC Florida president's project, the release said. This camp focuses on children and teens with life threatening illnesses.

The GFWC thanked Charlene Earl for organizing this venture and also thanked CC's Wish List.

Ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates Champion Manufacturing addition and 70 new Ocala jobs

Champion Manufacturing LLC held a ceremonial groundbreaking and ribbon cutting event on Oct. 22 to mark the ongoing construction of a 54,000-square-foot expansion to the company's current Ocala facility, 5516 SW First Lane, according to a press release from Champion Manufacturing.

The building addition will allow Champion to grow its employee base by 45% (70 new positions) and increase production capacity (going from three production lines to six) of its hand-crafted chairs, the release said.

Approximately 150 employees and family members were on site for the ceremony. Also there were local dignitaries and the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) President and CEO Kevin Sheilley and Director of Job Creation Bart Rowland.

The facility currently produces Winco and TransMotion products and will begin to produce Champion product line chairs on-site when the expansion is completed. Construction is already in progress and is expected to be completed in March 2023.

Do you have good news to share? Send to calendar@starbanner.com

Ocala Star-Banner

THIS WEEKEND

Ocali Country Days

This annual festival celebrates the Florida of yesteryear. Check out pioneer skills demonstrations, arts and crafts, live music, food, the Silver River Museum and more. Cost is $8 per person, with children 5 and younger free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13 at 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala. More at https://silverrivermuseum.com/ocali-country-days-festival/

Down East Boys

Christ’s Church of Marion County, 6768 SW 80th St., Ocala, welcomes the Down East boys to the stage Nov. 11 for an evening of gospel music and community. Free and open to the public; donations appreciated. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and showtime is 6:30 p.m. More at www.ccomc.org.

Let's do lunch:Taverna Berrocal, a fine dining restaurant in NE Ocala, will expand hours to include lunch

Sister Hazel

The Billboard chart-toppers return to the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, on Nov. 11. Performance is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets from $25 at the box office from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. More at www.reillyartscenter.com or 352-351-1606.

Marion Civic Chorale Concert Series

The Marion Civic Chorale community chorus performs Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. at Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala. All concerts are free and open to the public; donations to fund the annual Grat L. Rosazza music scholarship are gratefully accepted and much appreciated. More at www.marionchorale.com

Jewish Choral Music Through the Ages

The Shabbatones pour Hebrew, Ladino and Yiddish favorites into an exciting mix of new music arrangements on Nov. 13 at Highlands Presbyterian Community Church, 1001 NE 16th Ave., Ocala. The program features secular, religious and folk songs played and performed in unique ways. Guest performances by Cantor Deborrah Cannizzaro of Congregation Schaarai Zedek of Tampa and conducted by Maestro Will Kesling. Performance starts at 5 p.m. More at www.shabbatones.org.

COMING SOON

'Late Night Catechism'

The internationally famous interactive comedy show will be presented at St. Mark the Evangelist, 7081 SE County Road 42, Summerfield, on Nov. 18 at 2 and 7 p.m. An irrepressible nun teaches an adult catechism course to unpredictable new students: the audience. Tickets $28, available at www.stmarcrcc.com. More at 919-880-8799 or patmorrow2016@gmail.com.

Light Up Ocala

The tradition continues from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19 on the downtown square. As the City of Ocala says on its website: "Light Up Ocala is a longstanding community tradition to kick off the holidays that attracts thousands to downtown Ocala. This year marks the 38th anniversary of the holiday merry making event!" There will be 100 plus vendors, food and live entertainment. The Junior Sunshine holiday parade includes a special appearance by Santa. And at the end of the evening, downtown Ocala will shine with holiday lights.

The Magic of Bronze Bell Choir

The Congregational Church, 15421 S. U.S. 301 in Summerfield, hosts the Orlando choir in concert Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. Tickets $25; proceeds benefit the Infant and Toddler Pantry, in addition to the educational and performance work of the Bell Choir. More at www.thecongregationalchurc.org or 352-693-4545.

Sunday Sampler Concert

The Will McLean Foundation welcomes 2PM to the historic Dunnellon Depot, 12061 S. Williams St., Dunnellon, on Nov. 20 for an eclectic mix of original songs to classic and obscure covers and well-known standards. Performance is at 2 p.m.; donation is $15 cash at the door. More at www.2pmband.com, www.willmclean.com, or info@2pmband.com.

Gala of Royal Horses

This event will be at the Grand Oaks Resort, 3000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale, on Nov. 26. More at www.galaoftheroyalhorses.com.

'Coming Back Like a Song'

This nostalgic musical play will be onstage at the Ocala Civic Theatre Dec. 1-18. More at ocalacivictheatre.com

'Paper Thin' and 'Shadow Deep'

The Appleton Museum, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, opens new exhibitions on Dec. 3. One features Jacksonville-based Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun's three-dimensional, cut-paper artwork. The other features the work of Gainesville-based poet and visual artist Debora Gregor, who presents 28 mixed-media works created during the pandemic lockdown in 2019-2021. These exhibits will be through June 18.

Marion Civic Chorale community chorus holiday performances

The chorale will perform delightful favorites and inspirational songs to celebrate the holidays at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at St. George Anglican Cathedral, 5646 SE 28th St., Ocala; and 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at Fort King Presbyterian Church 13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala. Concerts are free to the public; donations to help fund the annual Grat L. Rosazza music scholarship are appreciated. More at www.marionchorale.org or https://www.facebook.com/groups/marioncivicchorale/

'Big and Bold'

This exhibition will be on view in the Edith-Marie Gallery at the Appleton Museum of Art from Dec. 16 through May 21. All works are of modern and contemporary art, many of which have never been on display at the Appleton.

ONGOING

Brown & Brown Farms Fall Extravaganza

Brown & Brown Farms, 13940 U.S. 301, Oxford, has re-created its traditional 8-acre Corn Maze. Also featured: pumpkin house/patch, crafters, artisans, vendors, live music, food trucks, special events and activities for the whole family. The extravaganza runs every weekend through Nov. 13. It is open 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Ticket information at BrownandBrownfarms.com. More details at 352-615-4419 or Suzanne@BrownandBrownFarms.com.

'A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition'

The Appleton Museum, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, is lit with twinkling lights and large-scale decorations as this annual tradition returns. The exhibition will be up through Jan. 8. This beloved annual display from the collection of the Dr. Paul Urban family offers the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England in this miniature village, alongside an extensive collection of nutcrackers from all over the world. Also on display are Christmas trees decorated by participating community groups and organizations. More at www.appletonmuseum.org or 352-854-2322, ext. 1565.

'Best of the Season' exhibition

The Visual Arts Society presents an exhibition at the CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, Nov. 7- Dec. 8. This annual favorite includes a variety of styles and mediums. “Best of the Season” is one of two annual opportunities for society members to display their works. Opening reception Nov. 18 from 5-7 p.m. Free and open to the public. More at 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.

Blow Up II - Inflatable Contemporary Art

Larger-than-life inflatable art has transformed the Edith-Marie Appleton Gallery and museum lobby at the Appleton Museum, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. This exhibition, up through Dec. 11, explores the imaginative and often whimsical ways artists use air as a tool for creating large-scale sculpture, with work from eight renowned artists of the medium. Special events will be announced throughout the life of this exhibit. More at www.appletonmuseum.org or 352-291-4455.

‘Looking on the Brighter Side'

This exhibit from Jennifer Weigel is up through Jan. 9 at the Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration building, 828 NE Eighth Ave., and Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free and open to the public. A city news release describes Weigel as "a multi-disciplinary mixed-media, conceptual artist" whose work "utilizes a wide range of media to convey her ideas, including assemblage, drawing, fibers, installation, jewelry, paint, performance, photography, video and writing." More at www.jenniferweigelart.com, 352-629-8447, artinfo@ocalafl.org or www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces.

'Colorful Pleasures'

This art exhibit from Christine Dozier is up through Jan. 17 at the Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Suite 600. Free and open to the public. Dozier, an Ocala resident and Memphis native, works in oils and acrylics. More at www.christinedozier.com, 352-629-8447, artinfo@ocalafl.org or www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces.

'A Floral Retrospective'

This exhibit of Gregory Dirr's work is up through Dec. 9 at the Clerk’s Office in Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. Free and open to the public. Boca Raton-based Dirr is described in an Ocala city news release as "an interdisciplinary visual artist, creating work as a cathartic response to his surroundings with a focus on environmental conservation." The clerk's office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. More at www.gregorydirr.com, 352-629-8447, artinfo@ocalafl.org or www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces.

'Squares Without Stitches'

This exhibit is up at the Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12th Ave., Ocala, through Jan. 12. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free and open to the public. More at www.ocalafl.org/recpark, 352-368-5517 and Ocala Rec Park on Facebook.

'Finding Beauty'

This exhibit features costumes, set photos, interactive experiences and sketches, along with a plethora of fabrics and video of the costume design process. These objects, from the Appleton Museum’s permanent collection, inspired the art and design for the Ocala Civic Theatre’s recent production of "Beauty and the Beast." This exhibit runs through the winter of 2022. The museum is at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. More at www.appletonmuseum.org.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 32-year-old Ocala man after he was accused of stealing a pressure washer and pawning it.

On Monday, October 10, the male victim contacted MCSO to report the theft of his pressure washer. According to the victim, the pressure washer was in the bed of his red pickup truck, and he had parked the vehicle in a parking space on the north side of the Circle K located at 5201 S Pine Avenue.

The victim advised that he entered the convenience store for a short period of time before returning to his truck and driving home. When he returned to his residence, he noticed that the pressure washer was gone. The pressure washer was brand-new inside of a box, and the victim valued it at approximately $500.

An MCSO corporal reviewed the Circle K’s security video footage from the time of the incident. At 5:24 p.m. on October 10, the corporal observed the victim pulling into the parking lot in a red pickup truck, and the victim parked on the north side of the building.

The MCSO report stated that while the victim was inside the convenience store, a man wearing a purple shirt, shorts, black head covering, and sunglasses removed the box containing the pressure walker from the bed of the victim’s truck. The man, later identified as Richard Samuel Bullorck, Jr., placed the box in the bed of a maroon pickup truck, entered the truck on the passenger’s side, and the vehicle left the gas station’s parking lot at 5:30 p.m.

A female witness was later confirmed to be the driver of the maroon pickup truck that Bullorck was traveling in, according to the MCSO report.

The corporal received information from an MCSO detective in reference to a separate case that helped identify Bullorck as the suspect in the theft case involving the pressure washer. The MCSO report stated that a search of local pawn shops revealed that a pressure washer had been pawned at the Value Pawn located at 315 S Pine Avenue on October 10, the same day of the theft.

When the corporal reviewed the security video footage from Value Pawn, Bullorck was observed wearing the same outfit including the sunglasses and black head covering, according to the MCSO report. Bullorck entered the pawn shop shortly before 5:45 p.m., which was approximately 15 minutes after the theft had occurred at Circle K.

Outside of the Value Pawn, security video footage showed the same maroon pickup truck circling the parking lot.

On Tuesday, November 1, the corporal responded to the Marion County Jail and conducted an interview with the female witness who had driven the maroon pickup truck around the time of the theft. She confirmed that she was with Bullorck at the Circle K on October 10, and she had also observed Bullorck placing a box into the bed of the pickup truck.

According to the witness, she did not know where the box came from and she was unaware of its contents. After leaving the gas station, she advised that they made a quick stop at another gas station down the road, and then they headed to Value Pawn.

Bullorck was arrested on Wednesday, November 2, and he was transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $80,000 bond. He is facing felony charges that include unarmed burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, first degree petit theft (over $100 but less than $750), dealing in stolen property, and providing false ownership information to pawn items (less than $300).

A court date has been scheduled on Tuesday, December 6 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.

Dear friends,

The Winter season is finally approaching us! And with the Winter season comes lots of fun, meaningful holidays. One fun holiday that is coming up is Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it is filled with giving thanks and delicious food! I wonder, friends, what is your favorite Thanksgiving food? Personally, I love freshly made mashed potatoes because they warm me up in these colder months. Please tell me about yours!

Your friend,

Matt

Editor's note: Please send letters, pictures and jokes to calendar@starbanner.com and write "Matt Manatee" in the message line. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. A selection will be published on Friday, Dec. 2. That will be Matt's final page until January. We are not providing T-shirts any longer.

LETTERS TO MATT MANATEE

Dear Matt,

I have a little question. What are you going to be for Halloween this year? I am going to be Elliot with E.T.! Why did you decide on your costume? I like the movie! That’s why I chose my costume.

Your friend,

Hayley Abbott

2nd Grade, Cornerstone School

Dear Matt,

I am going to be Cleopatra because it is cool to think that she could speak nine different languages!

Your friend,

Christina Brown

2nd Grade, Cornerstone School

Dear Matt,

I am going to be Mirabel from "Encanto" because my family is going to be Mirabel’s family. My baby brother is going to be a skeleton.

Your friend,

Barbra Pastorini

2nd Grade, Cornerstone School

Dear Matt,

I am so excited for Halloween. I am going to be Princess Aurora for Halloween because she is so fun to pretend to be!

Your friend,

Madylyn Herl

2nd Grade, Ocala Springs Elementary

Dear Matt,

My favorite Halloween costume is going to be an angel because I like the wings and the halo.

Your friend,

Olivia Rodriguez

5th Grade, Romeo Elementary

Dear Matt,

I am going to be the Rake. I do not know if we are going to go somewhere but once we decide I will let you know.

Your friend,

Faithlynn Van Horn

2nd Grade, Ocala Springs Elementary

Dear Matt,

I am going to be a zombie named Zed because it is cool.

Your friend,

Emerson Wands

2nd Grade, Ocala Springs Elementary

Dear Matt,

I am going to dress up as a rainbow skeleton with a creepy face. I wanted my costume because it was cool and creepy at the same time! It also has my favorite colors!

Your friend,

Emma Timpner

2nd Grade, Cornerstone School

Due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Nicole, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion’s annual “Paychecks for Patriots” job fair has been postponed until Wednesday, November 30.

The tenth annual Paychecks for Patriots hiring event, which is part of a statewide effort to connect Florida’s veterans with employment opportunities, will now be held on Wednesday, November 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters located at 2720 E Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala.

The free job fair will help match veterans and their families, as well as active service members, with employers who value the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are developed during military service.

Veterans, active service members, and military families will get priority access to the hiring event starting at 11 a.m., followed by open access to all job seekers beginning at 11:30 a.m. To register for the job fair, visit the CareerSource CLM Paychecks for Patriots webpage.

“CareerSource CLM is honored to serve those who have served our country,” said Henry Ayala, a local veteran employment representative for CareerSource CLM. “Veterans and our military families bring dedication, a special set of skills, and diversity to Florida’s workforce.”

Ayala, U.S. Army retired sergeant first class, stated that Paychecks for Patriots bridges the gap between veterans who are seeking jobs and a wide range of businesses dedicated to helping veterans and their families find meaningful employment.

CareerSource CLM’s Paychecks for Patriots, along with similar hiring events held throughout the month in other CareerSource Florida regions, is presented in partnership with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida National Guard, and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The local job fair is also supported by Inverness-based Bivouac Veteran’s News and the Marion County Public Library System.

According to CareerSource CLM, over 8,000 veteran candidates and military family members have gained employment in Florida from connections made at these events.

Numerous businesses plan to participate at the CareerSource CLM job fair, including AutoZone Auto Parts, AutoZone Distribution Center, Chewy, Chick-fil-A Ocala, City of Ocala, Coke Florida, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, E-One/REVGroup, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Marion County Public Schools, Mission BBQ, Mojo’s Bar and Grill, and World Equestrian Center.

Those who are unable to attend the Paychecks for Patriots job fair may apply for open positions online. An employment portal containing information and resource links for Florida veterans is also available by clicking here.

Ayala highlighted that veterans and eligible spouses receive Priority of Service throughout the year at all CareerSource CLM career centers in Ocala, Lecanto, and Chiefland. Fee-free services are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include staff assistance, resources, and other employment services.

All CareerSource CLM offices will be closed on Thursday November 10 due to potential storm hazards, as well as on Friday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Normal hours of operation will resume on Monday, November 14.

For more information about Paychecks for Patriots or CareerSource CLM’s year-round Veterans Services, please call 1-800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 2225.